Globe warns of new text scam

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom, Inc. on Tuesday advised postpaid subscribers to be cautious of text scams which entice people by telling them they can get discounts or rebates on their monthly bills.

"Subscribers are requested to validate unusual texts and calls especially if they do not come from official four-digit Globe numbers," the telco firm said in a statement.

"Texts and calls of this nature have a primary motive of asking for personal information, soliciting money or prepaid load, or using your account to purchase items online."

One of those circulating "promo" messages reads: GLOBE Postpaid: Congrats!You're the one selected postpaid plan given P150 discount billing, to get your P150 discount billing just text 150 send to 2916XXXXXXX.

Globe stressed that adding a "2" before the 10-digit mobile number of the recipient results in a Share-A-Load transaction, which means the victim would have transferred the amount to the scammer after pressing the "Send" button.

"It is best not to respond, and immediately report suspicious texts or calls to ... authorized Globe customer service channels," the firm said.